Bride-to-be June’s bachelorette getaway turns deadly when her bloodthirsty fiance and his friends show up to crash the party.
This is an entertaining B-movie. It’s a TUBI channel original. So you know what you are going into with this film. You only hope that it offers some surprises. Though much better than expected by a director who actually goes by SPIDER ONE.
Even when it has its chances to be inventive it doesn’t go where you are hoping. It tries to keep you on your toes but offers nothing that exciting. Even though it stays pretty dark throughout.
Once again women are mainly the victims of men throughout. Only here mix in some old-school rednecks. The problem is that the females are far more interesting than the men. Which helps you feel something whenever anything happens to them. As they raise the stakes.
Thought the film would be more of a slasher film until it turns a little supernatural.
The film has an interesting premise that could have been explored more, but it sets its own speed. As everything escalated pretty quickly. So that it can’t explain everything. Like many questions, you might have by the end.
For instance, how was anyone charmed by the redneck groom. She has no need to be that desperate
Then again that’s what sequels are made for. As Star, Co-Writer, and Editor Krys Fox Seems to have most aspects of this film handled. s it seems a project she built for herself from the ground up
The film is entertaining as long as you don’t think too hard about it and don’t ask too much of the material.
Directed & Edited By: Jason Eisener Written By: John Davies & Jason Eisener Cinematography: Mat Berkley
Cast: Dominic Mariche, Pheobe Rex, Calem MacDonald, Asher Grayson, Ben Tector, Emma Vickers, Isaiah Fortune
An all-time rager of a teen house party turns to terror when aliens attack, forcing two warring siblings to band together to survive the night.
This Is like an R-rated Amblin film, but it seems to lack heart. It gets points for presenting a more realistic at times version of characters and events, it also seems to have a cruel heart that seems determined to show the worst. Not cynical and humorous, just evil characters at times.
So it lacks a certain Joy and commitment of a film like PSYCHO GOREMAN. As a kid’s film with childish sensibilities. This seems more made for adults and just happens to involve kids as main characters.
Amblin films put kids in danger with steaks but also provide a bit of nostalgia or make you wish you went on those adventures. This is more bleak.
The film is an extension of one of the short films from V/H/S 2. So it’s coming from a macabre cinematic universe. Where it seems determined to break the rules, be deletions, and go overboard altogether.
You can call it a kids film and an alien invasion film With some drugs, violence, and more. Taken from a youthful outlook. It has a little adult outlook and a more independent version of the film McG’s RIM OF THE WORLD. Though similar this film has rougher edges.
You have kids cursing constantly and some scenes of violence. Where it feels like it could have been made by the kid’s characters in the movie. Only with more skilled production design.
The film offers an ending that is as cruel as the movie comes off at times. Which makes the whole endeavor not as much fun as it seeks. Which is a crucial element in films of this type. As there isn’t quite a mixture that works here.
It comes across as a fashion sense of the times. As short as it is. It stays somewhat entertaining in where they are going with this and how far.
The aliens are basic and look a little better than guys in suits.
I really wanted to like it, but can only give it a mild recommendation depending on what you Are looking to get out of it.
Written & Directed By: Jennifer Reeder Cinematography: Sevdije Kastrati Editor: Justin Krohn
Cast: Kiah McKirnan, Alicia Silverstone, Christopher Lowell, Tim Hopper, Audrey Francis, Ireon Roach, Josh Bywater, Melanie Liburd, Taylor Kinkead
Jonny, a wild and impulsive teenage girl living precariously in a town where young women continue to go missing, and the power she’s forced to unlock to survive.
This film is quite interesting as it has an amazing amount of ambition. Yet it tries to be low-key about it and treat what happens as business as normal. Even though we in the audience realize that everything is just a little off. Even the so-called normal scenes.
The film comes across as campy but at odd times. As it will go through a terrifying or dramatic scene and then just go off on its own. At first, the film is mysterious, but as it introduces teen characters it gets predictable.
Especially Alicia Silverstone’s performance and character. She is a delight though she seems like she is in another film which helps keep this one off-kilter. She plays a pivotal role but comes across more as a guest star.
Just as Christopher Lowell seems game for whatever is thrown at him. His character changes personalities and has varying intensities so often.
This film floods itself with different stories and issues and it tries to solve as many as it can in its time. While still leaving other mysteries. So that it feels like the first of a series.
One can appreciate that not everything is tied up in the end. Those problems persist, but a new phase has been entered allowing the protagonist to understand herself more.
That there is a mystery that drags you along and creates others. The film mines small-town weirdness and high school once again.
Director Jennifer Reeder has a David Lynch-like command of direction. A mastery of soundscapes that are haunting but tend to intrigue the audience. While this has similar beats and owes to Lynchian suburbs and weirdness bubbling underneath the normal.
The film has a great soundtrack that allows for atmosphere and a bit of attitude. It sets a mood.
Though some details leave you guessing. As in a majority of scenes, it seems like this is an all-girls school, but then there will be a random boy in a scene there.
Some of the special effects can be lackluster but more so when they are digital rather than practical.
The film seems to want to say a lot about body image. As even a guidance counselor throughout the film seems to be there to advise the young students but it always seems to be in recovery from one cosmetic surgery or another. This would also explain the constant body horror themes and scenes of various bodily Fluids splattered about. It gets gooey and is disgusting at times.
For all the surreal mayhem though explained at times it never quite comes together cohesively. Though as a film about coming of age and metamorphosis, it does go hand in hand as material. Metaphors themselves.
After it’s over it does haunt you. as it gets you thinking about it and leaves plenty of questions. Though it is likely to frustrate most.
Directed By: Yoko Okumura Written By: Salvatore Cardoni and Brian Rawlins Cinematography: Federico Verardi Editor: Michael Block
Cast: Midori Francis, Jolene Purdy, Michael Patrick Lane, Missi Pyle, Brett Baker, Nicholas X. Parsons
Sam receives a call from Emily, a nearly blind woman who is running from her murderous ex in the woods. She must survive the ordeal with Sam being her eyes using video call.
At first, this might seem like a gimmick film. A sit is based upon a video call between strangers that ends up becoming a theoretical life for both of them eventually.
However, it doesn’t stick to the perspective of that being all we see and that being how the story is told. It is not a minor part of the film. This Isn’t a film like SEARCHING or MISSING where the film is told strictly through video devices.
The film is fun as it goes along. Though it is serious and presents its own challenges for its Characters. It feels loose and experimental but also has style to a certain extent.
The film gets crazier as it goes along, but it somehow works. As we get to know and like the lead characters. Who are American Asian characters who mainly get bullied and stalked by white characters. Who expects them to be meek and take the abuse. Making it a bit political but more subtle.
It also serves as an obvious plot point of the film but the title can also be interpreted as how the characters feel in society in A certain way and also unseen as almost invisible
The film feels like a teen movie. Even though the language might be a little too much for a PG-13 rating they are most likely the ones who will enjoy the film the most.
This is mainly a thriller with some dark comedic elements thrown in. It goes by fast and its Running time is under 90 Minutes. So that it makes solid entertainment.
Each story keeps you captivated in different ways that gel together well and each lead character in the tales keeps you caring and wanting to see them survive and succeed.
You might not take it seriously but you will undoubtedly have fun with it.
A group of vigilantes called the “tobacco-forces” is falling apart. To rebuild team spirit, their leader suggests that they meet for a week-long retreat, before returning to save the world.
I keep watching the films of Quentin Dupieux because I really loved his first film RUBBER and keep hoping that each new film of his will be as good as that one. While I usually love the soundtracks/score I am A fan of the surreal
Absurd dry humor and the ideas used seem to be there.
The film is never quite seen to rise to the occasion of their potential some are better than others but most end up somewhat disappointing until Now.
As this is one of his films that seemed to have the silliest and most ridiculous plots and I thoroughly enjoyed this throughout.
Maybe because the wraparound spoof of Power Rangers shows their cheesiness and spreads morale or message and somewhere in there the film becomes an anthology of short stories or ideas the director seems to just pull out and try out with no rhyme or reason.
The tobacco force is where each member represents an ingredient in cigarettes. Together they produce a vapor that makes their enemies explode from the cancer they give them. They also have a robot sidekick and a mentor who gives them their missions shown to be a womanizing rat puppet who always seems to have green slime coming from his mouth.
That somehow works as you keep wondering where the film Or stories that make half the film that is being told as a group bonding exercise are going, if anywhere
By the end, I actually wanted more and was disappointed the film was so short. Which Is usually the opposite of the effect some of his films have had.
The films can be hit or miss thought they are original and Definitely memorable. The film humor tends to be deadpan and dark
I wish he was still doing the scores for his own films. As he had done when he made his early Films. Which made them a bit more worthwhile overall.
Viewers beware his films aren’t for everyone and are not Like anything most have encountered they are experimental, absurdist, and surreal that employ practical effects, and can be a bit disgusting at times they are usually comedies
He is a filmmaker I will always be interested in what he is working on or is coming out but it seems the stars have to align or he has to be on a certain random wavelength for the films to truly work to his advantage as well as the audiences.
Though I won’t lie and will admit Oulaya Amamra being in the cast certainly helped convince me to watch this.
Cast: Mary Woodvine, Edward Rowe, Flo Crowe, John Woodvine, Joe Gray
Set in 1973 on an uninhabited island off the Cornish coast, a wildlife volunteer’s daily observations of a rare flower turn into a metaphysical journey that forces her as well as the viewer to question what is real and what is a nightmare.
This is a film More about the filmmaking and mood than anything. Truly plot driven it’s definitely full of atmosphere.
It seems mundane at first and then slowly tightens Its grip. As Like the character it gets more maddening offering glimpses but never quite spelling out how they’ll fit or what they exactly might mean if anything
The film feels trippy and experimental at times but slowly leads you to figure out It’s pieces.
Though ultimately you will have to come to your own conclusions. It shows the main character who has no name descent into madness while isolated
Where like her you begin to wonder what is real and what is made up in her head or some kind of fantasy or nightmare she is living through
Strength of filmmaking only wish it was a bit of a stronger story.
It’s A challenging film for some audiences whether you are on Its wavelength ultimately or not. It is a folk horror tale that is in turns also psychological
It is quite a ride that isn’t exciting at first but the more you fit into it the more you will get out of it.
It is a film that demands your attention or you will find yourself easily lost. Which you might find yourself even when paying attention
Cast: Gregorie Ludig, David Marsais, Adele Exarchopoulos, India Hair, Romeo Elvis, Coralie Russier, Bruno Lochet, Raphael Quenard
When simple-minded friends Jean-Gab and Manu find a giant fly trapped in the boot of a car, they decide to train it in the hope of making a ton of cash.
This film should have worked. One really wanted this one though unfortunately can only point out a few highlights that help the film stay watchable.
It’s a buddy comedy along the lines of DUMB & DUMBER with a little crime narrative of THE BIG LEBOWSKI and involving a gigantic fly that the two friends try to use as a pet and a way to riches.
Somehow doesn’t exactly connect with an absurd plot element that should have been the highlight of the movie.
Instead, the saving element of the film is actually the performance and character played by Adele Exarchopoulos who is hilarious and only in the movie for 30 minutes. Even though the movie is under 90 minutes. Once she arrives she is what the movie needs and once she leaves she is definitely missed. The energy of the film seems to go with her. You wish that the film had mostly been based on her character
Which shows that the movie’s humor is more character-based. That should be more the inspiration, though that feels like the only genuine spark of originality of that kind. The main characters are boring and the one fantasy element becomes common so fast. That it feels cheapened.
The film then seems to settle into punchlines of Jokes that were set up earlier.
You can tell the movies the film was influenced by. As truly the comedic elements here are the more out-there elements such as the big fly and the brain-damaged woman. Who is suspicious of them? Yet the so-called regular characters believe they are stupid but okay.
In the final act, the only true comedy is their delivery and what it ends up being. That feels like much ado about nothing.
Cast: Benjamin Walker, Rainn Wilson, Stephanie Sigman, John Michael Higgins, Wyatt Russell, Adam Pally, Rob Corddry, Ron Livingston, Mark Randall
An inventive crime thriller told backward, reversing day by day through a week following a local sheriff’s quest to unlock the mystery of three small-town criminals and a bank heist gone wrong.
This could have easily been a story for a season-long show BIG SKY. Even though it takes place over and not a few days.
Written and directed by noted screenwriter Oren Uziel. The film has the originality of his usual screenplays. Only here in a little more serious thriller vein. You can see why it was on the black list of 2009 (The Blacklist is a yearly list of the best-unproduced screenplays voted on by script development executives)
The story is told backward over a week. As we start with Friday and go back to Monday to see how a bank robbery affects a small town and its citizens.
The film is better than expected especially as a Netflix original film. Before they got distracted by having big stars and budgets and seemed to still care about storytelling.
As the film is an ensemble film. It’s also a thriller with double-crosses, twists, and backstabbings that once you think you have it figured out. It surprises you again but at least as it goes along it gives you more information to see why certain characters act the way they do or why they make the decisions they do.
It allows for plenty of quirky characters and situations. Though it does rein it in for the seriousness of everything at hand. As well as the overall dramatic implications all over.
We even get to know most of the characters involved in some way. As each day or part of the film that focuses on that day also tends to focus on the character we begin the day with and brings us into the grander puzzle of it all. Half the joy is discovering and witnessing how it all fits together. As well as the reasoning of various characters.
The cast all rise to the occasion to keep the audience riveted and invested. If you pay attention what happens or will happen is spoken of and told in a certain way before it happens. Even though the ending is a little hard to believe. It still works as long as you believe how cold-hearted the characters can be. Even if they show warmth, humanity, and humor before.
Stephanie Sigman as a run-down wife in mourning who can be plain one minute, aggressive the next, and sexy out of nowhere and not really having to really try. She is a versatile actress who needs to work more, especially after her dynamic debut in the movie MISS BALA.
While the film has a lived-in quality. It still lacks a certain depth it needs a little more grit.
Can admit to watching it a second time just to make sure I understood everything. It’s not a long movie but it does pack a jab and enough intrigue to keep you guessing.
Written & Directed By: Roger Avary Cinematography: Tom Richmond Editor: Kathryn Himoff
Cast: Eric Stoltz, Julie Delpy, Jean-Hughes Angalade, Gary Kemp, Salvator Xuereb, Bruce Ramsey, Tai Thai, Kario Salem, Cecilia Peak, Ron Jeremy
Zed has only just arrived in beautiful Paris and already he’s up to no good. Having just slept with a call girl, he spends a night on the town with his dangerous friends. They all decide to rob a bank the following day. There’s only one problem: Zed’s call girl, Zoe, just happens to work at the bank which is to be robbed!
This film had all the makings of a good movie. While it has a typical bank robber film premise, only set in France. It is noteworthy for being the feature writing and directing debut of Roger Avary. Co-writer of PULP FICTION with Quentin Tarantino (Who executive produced this film)
Here the film is about Zed, an American safecracker. How many are there anymore or have they all become hackers? He comes to France to help his friend rob a bank. He is a heroin user and is waiting for a job. He hires a hooker who the next day we actually find out is a bank teller at the bank.
This is a very strange film. The bank robbers are a multi-ethnic crew but all look grungy and dress like fabulous 1980s & 90’s archetypes. They all come off as euro trash.
The film is more dialogue-based, but when there is action. It is swift, grotesque, and merciless.
There are scenes of just sitting around while different revelry goes on around them And the conversation feels more rambling.
The first half of the film is subdued with weird women wanting to go home with the men. So they can abuse them. Then there is a revelation from his friend that takes hold to maybe the nihilistic attitude he takes throughout.
Then there is the drunken distorted sex scene in a bathroom. Where we can’t tell if it’s male on male.
It starts to get a bit more exciting in the second half of the film with the bank robbery. Where just going in is a massacre. Then when they are stuck in a stand-off situation. It gets a lot worse with Zed, down in the basement not knowing what is going on upstairs and his friend going further and further off the deep end. Trying to plan an escape and each idea continuously fails. Zed has his own drama with a guard burned alive and half dead, begging for him to end his suffering.
The ending is remarkable as everything comes to a head with Zed finding out what is really going on. His confrontation with his friend Eric. The discovery of Zoe in the bank and the cops coming in to end the standoff.
Other than having some cliches in the film. It also offered things that movies rarely Depict or bother giving any Credence or screen time to. It was also one of the few films that showed a female character could be more than one thing. One didn’t necessarily define the other. Female Characters could be complex and multifaceted. Keep in mind I was 15 When i first saw the film
While the ending is a little curious. The film as a whole is just strange and while it can easily be lumped in with the 90’s crime movie genre or even a Tarantino knockoff. It is original in many aspects and might be disappointing for audience members looking for a more typical cops and robbers heist film.
I remember being very excited to see this film in Theaters. As I was a huge Tarantino. Fan and knew of the controversy surrounding Tarantino and Roger Avery. It seems like Tarantino is producing. This was a favor for pulp fiction, so Avery having to manage things on his own in this film could be seen as daunting for a first-time filmmaker as I watched this in the theater. I could see some influences, and how he maybe wanted the film to be different from the cliché
In doing so the film now seems really cliché as most bank robbery films do the same and try to seem like they have an original voice and really don’t as they try to humanize more of the side characters, who would normally never be the center of attention. Even though this at the time was one of the first.
While this film has some sharp dialogue after watching this even though one was thrown off balance, and scratching my head, like what just happened it will definitely keep you on your toes and I will say it’s an interesting rental, but don’t hold your breath for greatness. Even though it does have its fans, Roger Avery made a sequel to the film unofficially.
Cast: Park Hae-il, Tang Wei, Lee Jung-Hyun, Go Kyung-Pyo
From a mountain peak in South Korea, a man plummets to his death. Did he jump, or was he pushed? When detective Hae-joon arrives on the scene, he begins to suspect the dead man’s wife Seo-rae. But as he digs deeper into the investigation, he finds himself trapped in a web of deception and desire.
One of the most romantic movies ever or at least in quite a while. It is more of a romance where the lead characters absolutely can’t be with one another yet works as a romance. where they try to deny their feelings while falling even harder maybe because of the lack of total communication but constantly watching each other.
It’s almost like dating with a constant mind game and never a full revelation of feelings, but there is something there. They keep not only bringing themselves together, but circumstances at times force them to and to kind of chase each other.
Though here not trying to fall in love and that is usually when it finds you or you find that one that makes you feel it.
So that like early in love any moment or chance you get seems mystical, magical, and has meaning.
There is plenty of lust there but it seems to be more about longing.
Now put all of that and surround it in a detective story a film noir with stylish touches and a little violence but no sex, eroticism, or even any real action. Like the characters the film and story are so restrained it almost feels like a period piece. Though the camerawork and direction are top notch.
It feels like a thriller but one with more emotions. You wonder if she is only trying to seduce him to get away with her crimes and that for the detective she is not only an escape but a mystery herself that he can’t figure out which is a challenge and slowly makes him lose it.
But you feel destroyed by the end as you want the two characters to be together. So that it stays fully captivating. Though like a good story and a good book it moves at its own pace. Sometimes faster than you expect but also slower. Never quite a constant.
The film is like poetry, you recognize the beauty but it’s hard to explain. As hopefully you just feel it.
Cut To The Chase 